Yvonne De Carlo, born in Vancouver, Canada, on September 1, 1922, rose to fame in Hollywood’s Golden Age as a versatile actress, singer, and dancer. Known for her iconic role in “The Ten Commandments” and as Lily Munster in “The Munsters” TV show, she captivated audiences with her talent and charm.
Beyond acting, Yvonne gained popularity as a World War II pin-up model, admired by soldiers. Her career spanned film, TV, and stage, accumulating an estimated net worth of $2 million. Despite facing financial and health challenges later in life, her legacy in classic cinema and her contributions to Hollywood remain unforgettable.
Wiki / Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Margaret Yvonne Middleton |
| Stage Name | Yvonne De Carlo |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1922 |
| Place of Birth | Vancouver, Canada |
| Date of Death | January 8, 2007 |
| Age at Death | 84 years |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Height | 1.62 m (5 ft 4 in) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Dancer, Pin-up Model |
| Famous for | “The Ten Commandments,” “The Munsters,” and various Hollywood films |
| Parents | William Shelto Middleton (father), Marie De Carlo (mother) |
| Education | Lord Roberts Elementary School, King Edward High School, BC. School of Dancing |
| Marital Status | Married to Robert Drew “Bob” Morgan (1955–1973) |
| Children | Bruce Ross Morgan, Michael Morgan |
| Notable Romances | Howard Hughes, Burt Lancaster (rumored) |
| Broadway Role | “Follies” (1971), notable for the song “I’m Still Here” |
| Film Highlights | “The Ten Commandments,” “Salome, Where She Danced,” “Band of Angels” |
| TV Success | Lily Munster on “The Munsters” (1964–1966) |
| WWII Contribution | Popular wartime pin-up model for American soldiers |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated at $2 million |
| Autobiography | “Yvonne: An Autobiography” |
| Financial Challenges | Faced economic difficulties later in life, managed with residuals and royalties |
| Real Estate | Owned property assets, engaged in real estate investments |
| Legacy | Known as a talented actress from Hollywood’s Golden Age with roles in iconic films and TV shows |
| Nickname | “The Technicolor Queen of Hollywood” for her vibrant presence in Technicolor films |
Early Life
Yvonne De Carlo was born on September 1, 1922, in Vancouver, Canada, where her childhood set the stage for her journey to Hollywood stardom. Raised primarily by her mother, Marie De Carlo, Yvonne grew up with dreams of fame, fueled by her mother’s strong support.
She attended Lord Roberts Elementary and King Edward High School in Vancouver. During her youth, Yvonne was drawn to dance and even studied at the BC School of Dancing. Her mother encouraged her to pursue beauty pageants and dance contests, eventually leading her to Hollywood.
The path to stardom wasn’t easy. Like many actors of the time, De Carlo faced countless auditions and rejections. Yet, she persisted, breaking into the industry during the World War II era as a pin-up model. Her pin-up photos became popular among soldiers, and her modeling work helped her gain visibility in Hollywood, setting the foundation for her future success.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Yvonne De Carlo’s rise in Hollywood studios began with small roles. Her early career included minor parts in films where she showcased her talent as a dancing actress and singing actress. Her big break came with the 1945 film “Salome, Where She Danced”, a historical movie that highlighted her beauty and talent. This film industry’s golden years were competitive, but her unique appeal helped her gain attention.
Over the next decade, De Carlo appeared in notable movies across various genres, including Westerns and musicals. She often starred alongside top actors of the day, such as John Wayne. This exposure solidified her status as a star in classic cinema and built her reputation in Hollywood’s Golden Age. By the 1950s, she had become one of the top actresses in the industry, known for both her beauty and her acting skills.
Financial Success in Film and TV
De Carlo’s most financially successful role came with “The Ten Commandments”, a 1956 epic film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. This historical movie became an iconic part of film history and contributed significantly to De Carlo’s wealth.
In this biblical movie, she played Sephora, the wife of Moses, a role that is still celebrated today. This classic film earned her a substantial salary, establishing her as a major film performer. In the 1960s, De Carlo made the transition to television with her role as Lily Munster in “The Munsters” TV show. This 1960s sitcom was a TV classic that brought her popularity among a new audience.
Television earnings from The Munsters contributed greatly to her celebrity income, and residual income from TV shows continued for years due to TV syndication payments. Her ongoing TV earnings through television residuals and series resales kept her income steady as the show remained popular in reruns.
Diversifying Income with Broadway and Music
Yvonne De Carlo didn’t just limit herself to film and television. She ventured into stage acting and made a mark on Broadway with her role in the musical “Follies” in 1971. Her Broadway performances added to her reputation as a versatile theatrical performer.
This role was a theatrical performance milestone in her career, allowing her to reach a different audience and add to her income streams. In addition to acting, she released a few songs, exploring a music career that contributed to her image as a multi-talented star.
De Carlo also shared her life story in her autobiography, “Yvonne: An Autobiography”. The book gave fans insight into her journey through Hollywood’s Golden Age, and autobiography sales brought in additional book revenue. This biographical book became another way for her to connect with her fans while adding to her celebrity income through published book profits.
Real Estate and Financial Challenges
Like many stars of the movie peak era, De Carlo made investments in real estate. She owned properties, including a home in Los Angeles. Real estate investments were common among Hollywood stars as a way to preserve wealth, and her housing investments helped secure her estate.
However, Yvonne De Carlo also faced financial challenges throughout her life. Medical bills and other expenses led to monetary difficulties in her later years.
The nature of the film industry’s golden years meant that actors had little control over their salary negotiations and limited royalties, impacting their long-term financial stability. Despite these financial obstacles, she managed her assets and lived comfortably, though her net worth at the time of her death was modest compared to some of her peers.
Death
Yvonne De Carlo passed away on January 8, 2007, at age 84, in Woodland Hills, California. She died from natural causes after facing health challenges, including a stroke in 1998. Her final years were marked by financial and health difficulties, but her contributions to Hollywood’s Golden Age and memorable roles, particularly as Lily Munster, solidified her legacy. Today, she’s remembered as a beloved icon of classic cinema and television.
Legacy and Posthumous Earnings
Yvonne De Carlo left behind a legacy that still resonates in classic movies and TV classics. Her work in The Ten Commandments and The Munsters continues to bring in posthumous earnings for her estate, as residuals from TV syndication and series resales remain profitable.
Items like her costumes, memorabilia, and iconic pin-up photos also hold value in the collectibles market, maintaining interest in her career.In comparing her net worth to stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Donna Reed, Yvonne De Carlo’s wealth may seem modest.
Her legacy as a talented actress, singer, and dancer stands tall in film history. She remains a symbol of the classic era of Hollywood, where beauty, talent, and versatility defined a generation of actors who helped shape the industry.
FAQ’s
What happened to Yvonne De Carlo’s son?
Yvonne De Carlo’s son, Michael Morgan, faced health challenges after a 1957 car accident left him partially paralyzed. He later recovered, but the incident caused ongoing concerns for De Carlo throughout her life.
Who was Yvonne De Carlo’s husband?
Yvonne De Carlo married stuntman Robert Drew “Bob” Morgan in 1955. The marriage faced strains due to his serious injuries sustained during a stunt for “How the West Was Won” in 1962, leading to their eventual separation.
Did Yvonne De Carlo have any children?
Yes, Yvonne De Carlo had two sons, Bruce Ross Morgan and Michael Morgan, with her husband Bob Morgan. They remained her pride and joy throughout her life.
Who is Yvonne De Carlo’s father?
Her father was William Shelto Middleton, a New Zealander who left her family when she was only three years old, leaving Yvonne to be raised primarily by her mother.
What is Yvonne De Carlo’s real name?
Yvonne De Carlo was born Margaret Yvonne Middleton. She later adopted the stage name “Yvonne De Carlo” as she entered the Hollywood industry.
What age is Yvonne De Carlo?
Yvonne De Carlo was born on September 1, 1922, and passed away on January 8, 2007, at the age of 84.
Who were Yvonne De Carlo’s lovers?
Yvonne De Carlo reportedly had romances with several notable figures, including Howard Hughes and actor Burt Lancaster, though her relationships often stayed out of the spotlight.
What are some of Yvonne De Carlo’s famous movies?
Some of her well-known films include “The Ten Commandments” (1956), “Salome, Where She Danced” (1945), and “Band of Angels” (1957), which showcased her versatility as an actress.
Did Yvonne De Carlo have a career on Broadway?
Yes, De Carlo appeared on Broadway in “Follies” (1971), where she performed the song “I’m Still Here,” which became one of her signature songs and cemented her status in theater.
Was Yvonne De Carlo a singer and dancer as well?
Yes, Yvonne was also a talented singer and dancer, having trained in dance during her early years. She performed musical numbers in films and on stage, adding depth to her Hollywood image.
How did Yvonne De Carlo contribute during World War II?
During WWII, De Carlo worked as a pin-up model, providing morale boosts to American soldiers, and became one of the most popular wartime pin-up girls.
How did Yvonne De Carlo manage financially later in life?
Although she faced financial struggles, De Carlo received residuals from “The Munsters” and royalties from her autobiography, “Yvonne: An Autobiography,” which helped her manage her finances in her later years.
Conclusion
Yvonne De Carlo, born in Vancouver on September 1, 1922, made a lasting impact on Hollywood’s Golden Age as an actress, singer, and dancer. Rising to fame with roles in films like “The Ten Commandments” and TV’s “The Munsters”, Yvonne charmed audiences with her beauty and talent. She became a World War II pin-up model, admired by soldiers.
Her career extended to Broadway with acclaimed performances and an autobiography detailing her journey. Though her net worth was estimated at $2 million, Yvonne faced financial and health struggles later in life. Her legacy endures as a symbol of classic cinema and the Golden Age of film, leaving a timeless mark on entertainment.
